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Bergen and Askvoll lie on Norway’s fjord-strewn west coast, where ferry travel is a way of life. Approximately 3,000 people reside in the municipality of Askvoll. Although sparsely populated, Askvoll’s land area encompasses 126 square miles, including a central village of the same name and the surrounding mountainous countryside and islands. Outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, fishing and kayaking, comprise the top pastimes in Askvoll. As the second-largest city in the country and the largest on Norway’s Atlantic shore, Bergen makes an excellent starting point for an excursion to Askvoll, with ferry service providing an expedient means of transportation.

Considerations

Fjord1 (fjord1.no), a transport company comprised of buses and boats, is the only operator providing ferry service between Bergen and Askvoll. The geography and remoteness of Norway’s western coast make this ferry service an excellent choice for travel, as numerous inlets with steep slopes and a multitude of islands renders driving a hassle. It takes approximately four hours to drive from Bergen to Askvoll, which necessitates jaunts on two separate car ferries. And the airport nearest Askvoll – Floro – is more than a two-hour drive to the north, so considering the combination of flying and driving time, plus the expense, traveling from Bergen to Askvoll by air seems futile. Taking a boat is much quicker than either flying or driving.

Timetable

Traveling from Bergen to Askvoll by ferry takes between two and three hours, depending on the vessel and time of year. As of 2011, Fjord1 operates at least one daily ferry from Bergen to Askvoll every day of the year. The same holds true for return ferries. Two ferries make the trip Monday through Friday year-round. A morning ferry departs Bergen at 8 a.m. and arrives in Askvoll at 10:50 a.m., and an afternoon ferry leaves Bergen at 4:30 p.m. and docks at Askvoll at 7:05 p.m. One ferry sails from Bergen to Askvoll on Saturdays throughout the year, departing Bergen at 2:15 p.m. and arriving in Askvoll at 4:50 p.m. Every Sunday of the year, a ferry departs Bergen for Askvoll at 4:30 p.m. In autumn, winter and spring, this boat arrives in Askvoll at 7:05 p.m., while in the summer, the arrival time is delayed by 25 minutes until 7:30 p.m. due to additional stops along the way.

Route

The ferry from Bergen to Askvoll takes a highly scenic route through the heart of Norway’s fjord country, including the famed and majestic Sognefjord, the longest in the nation. Fjord1 names the itinerary Regional Route Nordfjord-Bergen, with route number 23-531. The boat might stop at up to six different ports en route from Bergen to Askvoll, and the number of stops effect the travel time. The weekday morning ferry stops at Lygra, Vardetangen, Sollibotn, Rysjedalsvika and Krakhella, while the weekday afternoon ferry stops at the same ports with the exception of Rysjedalsvika. The Saturday ferry and the Sunday autumn, winter and spring ferries stop at the same four towns as the weekday afternoon ferry. The Sunday summer ferry is the slowest of all, as it stops at a total of six ports – the same as the weekday morning ferry, plus Mjomna.

Essentials

You can buy ferry tickets directly at the Fjord1 terminal at Strandkaiterminalen quay in the borough of Bergenhus, which is located near Bergen’s city center, or at the Tourist Information Center on Vågsallmenningen Street. As of 2011, passenger fares are 450 NOK for a one-way ticket or 675 NOK for round-trip travel. You must reserve a seat and check in no later than 15 minutes prior to departure. On national holidays and school holidays, Fjord1 limits luggage to 44 pounds per person. The vessels connecting Bergen and Askvoll don’t accommodate vehicles. All vessels provide food for purchase, and most accept credit cards.

Discounts

Fjord1 offers multiple discounts. Individuals traveling back to Bergen in 21 days or less can purchase a round-trip ticket for a lesser total cost than two one-way fares. Groups of 12 or more are entitled to discounts of at least 18 percent. Students with approved school passes, holders of Inter-rail cars, and senior citizens age 67 or older pay half price. Families receive a discount on tickets purchased for their children, with deeper discounts for each additional child.

Resources

About the Author

Based in western New York, Amy Harris began writing for Demand Media and Great Lakes Brewing News in 2010. Harris holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Penn State University; she taught high school math for several years and has also worked in the field of instructional design.

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